PE4life – Developing and Promoting Quality Physical Education
Publishers: Human Kinetics
Author: PE4life (Phil Lawler and Brenda VanLengen, Consultants)

Reviewer:Steve Jefferies, Dept. HHPN, Central Washington University

This book and the 75-minute accompanying DVD, presents a step-by-step action plan for teachers interested in developing a physical education program based on the PE4life principles. Phil Lawler, one the primary authors, has in the last decade emerged as one of the most innovative physical educators in the country. For many years, Phil taught physical education at Madison Junior High School in Naperville, Illinois. During this period, his Naperville school hosted scores of visitors excited to see the many varied ways that school physical education could be transformed. Phil and his program have been featured widely in the media, including a special segment on the Supersize Me DVD.

PE4life: Developing and Promoting Quality Physical Education begins with an overview of data illustrating the worsening health status of today’s children and youth. The important contributions that physical education offers in regard to improving physical and mental health, improving academic performance, reaching at-risk students, and reducing medical costs are presented, and data is shared in support of the successes experienced in schools that have chosen to follow the PE4life principles.

An explanation is then provided on how to use the DVD. It begins with Phil describing the steps he took to build his own PE4life program. A 10-minute segment follows, intended to support a promotional presentation to a school, community, or legislative audience. Dr. John Ratey is then featured presenting research on the positive impact of exercise on brain function. Finally, a DVD-Rom section includes PowerPoint presentations, a variety of reproducible forms and handouts, and much more.

At the foundation of the PE4life program is a strong community-based support team. The authors identify likely supporters and possible ways to connect with them. As with making any kind of change it’s important to set goals and priorities and a helpful planning sheet is included. How to develop an advocacy strategy receives its own chapter. Based on my personal experience, few physical educators understand the importance of advocacy and even fewer are prepared with the skills needed to be successful. This chapter helps physical educators understand that it’s not enough to be passionate about their profession and provides a mini-course in public relations.

Fundraising is another skill rarely taught to physical educators. The authors emphasize that teachers interested in creating a PE4life-based learning environment will need to develop their fundraising skills. Suggestions are made on the type of facilities and equipment teachers might consider seeking, and a discussion presented on curriculum content choices when creating a physical education program based on PE4life principles.
Teachers motivated to embrace the changes urged in this text will appreciate the authors’ advice on assessing program success. Clearly, assessment is a vital component in any program that seeks ongoing school and community support. Part 1 of the book concludes with advice on overcoming inevitable obstacles to change.

The second part of the book presents more detailed strategies for implementing the PE4life action plan. Curriculum issues and assessments are addressed in greater detail, together with sections on curriculum planning and effective teaching tips. The book concludes with the inclusion of several appendices containing supportive resources.

A faculty member who uses this book to support her professional preparation courses recommended it to me. As noted previously, it is a book that covers skills physical educators are not typically taught. Certainly, for anyone impressed with the PE4life program and wanting more information it will be an indispensable resource. Most impressive to me however, is the credibility of the ideas contained in PE4life: Developing and Promoting Quality Physical Education. Phil Lawler and his colleagues associated with the PE4life program are not theorists. Within their communities they have succeeded in transforming public school physical education into something new and different. They have managed to attract widespread support for their ideas and have improved public perceptions of the value of physical education. Readers will find this book and its accompanying DVD an excellent resource to stimulate thought and guide action on ways to improve today’s physical education.